Investment prompts new era of growth

Founded in 1991, the company acquired Sheffield-based Simm Engineering Group in 2015, creating a group with a combined heritage of more than 100 years and is driven by a strong team of highly qualified and experienced staff. 

Having built the company around its people and steered it to become the successful business it is today, PPS founder Gary Whitaker will step down as managing director, but will remain on hand to ensure knowledge transfer, as he works towards retirement. 

Whitaker says: “I am extremely proud of the success my team and I have enjoyed at PPS. When I founded the company in 1991 it was based on a straightforward, honest approach where people were highly valued. This is something I have ensured is still true at PPS today and I know, with the R&G Acquisitions investment, will continue well into the future. Having led the business for the past 27 years, I’m looking forward to taking more of a back seat as the company embarks on a new era, in the capable hands of our experienced team.” 

Ian Harrison, currently a director of the company, will step up to the role of MD. A highly respected professional with many years of experience and technical expertise, he has been with PPS since 2001.

He says: “It’s been a privilege to work with Gary over many years and to help shape the company into what it is today. Anyone who has met me will be able to appreciate just how driven I am to ensure PPS continues to grow and adapt – something made possible by the solid financial investment from R&G Acquisitions.”

Matt O’Connor, general manager of PPS since 2017, moves into the role of operations director. With a background in sales, service, operations and management positions, Matt has extensive business expertise to support the company and its staff moving forward. 

The company believes the investment from R&G Acquisitions will allow it to offer outstanding service and major savings on energy bills to an even wider range of compressed air users across the UK. 

As a business investment company, R&G Acquisitions will support the path that PPS is on, by investing in its future growth and development. Along with Gary Whitaker’s shareholding, R&G Acquisitions will gain 65 passionate, driven and knowledgeable employees.

As far as customers, staff and suppliers are concerned, it is business as usual. 

Alexander Pavlov, general manager for Atlas Copco Compressors UK & Ireland, says: “Atlas Copco Compressors is confident that the investment will allow PPS to serve its customers even better. We thank Gary for a great partnership for almost 30 years and wish much success to Ian, Matt and the team in growing the PPS business further.”